Paria

A couple adobe homes are still left.
 

Structures from the old Paria Movie Set.

(NOTE: I have been notified that the movie set shown above has been torn down and a two of the structures have been rebuilt. Therefore, the photos above might not be accurate anymore.)

When you are heading out to the original Paria town site, you might be fooled to think that the standing movie set is the town.  Even though it is a movie set, it is still rather ghostly, picture worthy, and impressive. It is obvious why this area was chosen for a western movie sight - it is out in the middle of nowhere and the backdrop is outstanding. Sagebrush fills the land and old castle rock formations surround the site.  Sedimentary rock layers add beauty and colors to the old west setting.

Paria, named for a Paiute Indian word meaning "muddy water," was originally spelled Pahreah.  Farms flourished for a time in the area as the town had a good start. With 47 families in town, quite a number of sandstone houses were built, along with many log ones, a church house, and a post office.

In 1892, floods washed away much of the town, including most of the farms. Most people left, however, a few stayed behind for gold mining.  In 1912, another series of floods hit the town and the remaining farmers and miners left for good.

To find Paria, take a dirt road located 33 miles east of Kanab. The road heads north for about 5 miles and passes through the Paria Movie Set.  Another mile and you will reach the town itself.

3 1/2 stars.